Open AccessThe molecular mechanism of hypertrophic scar
Author(s) -
Zhu Zhensen,
Ding Jie,
Shankowsky Heather A.,
Tredget Edward E.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of cell communication and signaling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.329
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1873-961X
pISSN - 1873-9601
DOI - 10.1007/s12079-013-0195-5
Subject(s) - extracellular matrix , scars , hypertrophic scar , fibrosis , mechanism (biology) , medicine , pathogenesis , proteolytic enzymes , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , enzyme , biochemistry , philosophy , epistemology
Hypertrophic scar (HTS) is a dermal form of fibroproliferative disorder which often develops after thermal or traumatic injury to the deep regions of the skin and is characterized by excessive deposition and alterations in morphology of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. HTS are cosmetically disfiguring and can cause functional problems that often recur despite surgical attempts to remove or improve the scars. In this review, the roles of various fibrotic and anti‐fibrotic molecules are discussed in order to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of the pathogenesis of HTS. These molecules include growth factors, cytokines, ECM molecules, and proteolytic enzymes. By exploring the mechanisms of this form of dermal fibrosis, we seek to provide some insight into this form of dermal fibrosis that may allow clinicians to improve treatment and prevention in the future.